Hyperthermia Cancer Therapy Utilizing Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles

This paper presents an investigation of hyperthermia cancer therapy utilizing high-frequency magnetic field to induce a temperature increase on tumor cells by using a commercially-available radiography solution containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The biocompatible and biodegradable materials allow us to explore hyperthermia cancer therapy in vivo or in vitro. Experimental data showed that a temperature as high as 72.4 degC can be successfully generated for in vitro experiments. In-vitro testing showed that survival rate of the tumor cells can be greatly reduced. In-vivo experiments showed that the hyperthermia therapy can significantly repress the growth of liver tumors by utilizing concentrated commercial nanoparticles and temperature-sensitive hydrogel. Hydrogel used in drug delivery system was liquid at low temperature (< 20 degC) and became gel above 30 degC. The gel can be used to secure the nanoparticles in the target tumor tissue. Furthermore, a temperature control system was designed to keep the nanoparticles at a constant temperature such that a reliable cancer therapy can be feasible.